After a period of relative stagnation or reorientation, French wines are showing a confident return to the Russian market. August of this year was marked by a significant increase in wine exports from France to Russia, reaching an impressive 1.2 million euros. This figure is not only a third higher than the previous month’s volumes but also the maximum for almost the last twelve months, since September last year, when French imports amounted to 1.6 million euros. Such dynamics may indicate both increased consumer demand and the successful adaptation of logistics chains and the search for new supply channels.
Notably, the activation of French suppliers is taking place against the backdrop of broader changes in the structure of wine imports from the European Union. Russian importers have also noticeably increased their purchases from Latvia – by 18%, bringing the figure to 11.7 million euros. This growth is particularly curious given that Latvia itself is not a major wine-producing region, which may indicate its role as a transit hub for European wines. Spain also showed positive dynamics, increasing exports by 9%, to 1.3 million euros.
However, not all traditional players have been able to maintain their positions. While some countries are increasing volumes, Italy, historically the largest supplier of wine to the Russian market from EU countries, has faced a notable reduction. In August, its supplies decreased by a quarter, amounting to 16 million euros. This decline could be attributed to several factors: from stricter European sanctions and logistical problems to a possible redistribution of market shares in favor of other countries or even a change in Russian consumer preferences. Given the overall increased interest in European wine, the sharp decline in volumes from the market leader raises questions about the prospects of Italian producers in this direction. Overall, August data paints a complex and dynamic picture of Russian wine imports, where old leaders face new challenges, and “second-tier” players actively take advantage of emerging opportunities.
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